Bachelors Jam
Photography by Aaron McLean.

This is not a jam in the true sense but a delicious alcohol-infused concoction that develops a smooth, luscious taste when kept for a few days in the fridge before use. The story goes that it originated at Eton, where boarders brought it with them to consume during term.
INGREDIENTS
500 grams mixed berries* any combination of blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, strawberries, loganberries
250 grams caster
sugar brandy or rum to cover
METHOD
Put the berries and caster sugar in a large bowl and gently combine. Cover and refrigerate overnight. The next day, gently stir again and transfer to a large, wide-necked jar. Add enough brandy or rum to cover the fruit. Cover tightly and refrigerate, stirring daily to combine the flavours. After 3-4 days the alcohol mellows with the berry juices and sugar to form a rich syrup. The jam will keep for several weeks in the refrigerator.
Serve with slices of Madeira or pound cake and mascarpone; meringues and softly whipped cream; over good vanilla ice-cream with a crisp biscuit; or place a few berries and a little of the liquor in a tall glass and top up with champagne.
*Bags of frozen mixed berries are ideal for this recipe. Combine with the sugar while still frozen and as they thaw out, the juices mingle with the sugar.
latest issue:
Issue #102
Before we say goodbye to the the warmer weather, we're sneaking in one last bite of moreish nibbles inside the latest issue of dish. When it's time to retreat indoors, welcome the changing of the seasons with bountiful early autumn produce cooked to perfection. Our Dinner for Six Section will have you well prepared for all your family and friends by the time Easter rolls around with two stellar menus to choose from. And when the holidays are over, our snappy midweek meals will be waiting for you in our Food Fast section. You'll want to keep a glass handy, too, our top-rated Aussie Shirazes are the perfect accompaniment at dinnertime.